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Morning Start the day with a hearty breakfast at Tooloulou’s, known for its quirky décor and enormous waffles (there’s even breakfast poutine). Then walk it all off with a 20- to 25-minute stroll to either the Cave and Basin National Historic Site (birthplace of Canada’s national parks system and home to a small cave with sulphurous hot mineral spring waters), or take a leisurely walk along the Bow River to Bow Falls. Cap off the morning’s adventures by catching a bus to the Banff Gondola and ride the gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, which at 2,281 metres, offers sweeping views of six mountain ranges and the Bow Valley below.

View from Sulphur Mountain in Banff. (ROCKY MOUNTAINEER)

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Afternoon You’ll probably be hungry again after an active morning, and the town of Banff has plenty of lunch options, including Eddie Burger + Bar, which serves up burgers made with Angus beef, elk or bison (there are vegetarian options, too).

After lunch, admire the views while you go shopping. Boutiques in and around Banff Avenue feature everything from technical outerwear to local art, clothing, handcrafted jewellery and souvenirs. If you have a rental car, take the short drive to Lake Minnewanka to enjoy its snow-covered or emerald-green waters surrounded by forested slopes. Soak up the scenery or take a one-hour interpretive cruise, rent a kayak or go on a scenic hike along the shoreline trail.

Downtown Banff. (Rocky Mountaineer)

Evening The Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity is home to Three Ravens Restaurant & Wine Bar, which consistently ranks as one of Banff’s top restaurants on TripAdvisor, with options like roasted elk rack and seared bison tenderloin — and great views of the Bow Valley to match. Complement dinner with a performance at the Banff Centre or wrap up the day at Banff Upper Hot Springs, where you can soak in the steamy hot mineral waters well into the evening. Between mid-May and mid-October, the pool is open until 11 p.m.

Banff Upper Hot Springs. (Rocky Mountaineer)

LAKE LOUISE

Morning Kick off the day with an upscale buffet at Poppy Brasserie in the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, accompanied by stunning views of Lake Louise itself. After capturing photos of this remarkable beauty in the early morning light, wander down by the lake. Or, explore it from a different angle by getting out on the water: canoe rentals are available at the boathouse on the west shore. There’s also a guided Voyageur experience that takes place in an authentic 26-foot cedar-strip group canoe. As you paddle, your guide will tell you about local Indigenous people, early explorers and the area’s wildlife.

Canoes at Lake Louise. (Rocky Mountaineer)

Afternoon If you’re feeling particularly energetic, get your heart pumping on the 3.5-km forested hike to Lake Agnes Tea House, located in a hanging valley on the shores of Lake Agnes. This family-run teahouse serves sandwiches on freshly baked bread and, of course, a selection of fine teas. For a less strenuous – but no less adventurous – approach, hire a horse at Brewster Adventures or Timberline Tours for a guided half-day trip. If tea and hikes aren’t for you, take a drive to Moraine Lake (located about 14 km from Lake Louise), set in the rugged and jaw-droppingly beautiful Valley of the Ten Peaks. Explore the area by rental canoe or find a hike that’s right for you – there are several that range in effort, from accessible to more strenuous.

Boating on Moraine Lake. (Rocky Mountaineer)

Evening For hearty comfort food, head to The Station Restaurant and Heritage Railway Station, which is, as its name suggests, a piece of Canadian history. It’s a venue that was once a functioning railway station (built in 1910), and its ambiance reflects the importance of railway travel in Canada’s history. The Lakeview Lounge at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful lobby lounges in the Canadian Rockies, so for your nightcap, be sure to sample the signature cocktail (and local favourite), the Lakeview Cosmopolitan.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. (Rocky Mountaineer)

JASPER

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Morning Get started with a heart-healthy breakfast at Coco’s Cafe, a cozy spot specializing in fancy coffee and seasonal, homemade fare made with locally sourced organic ingredients (there’s plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, too). Then, take a ride on the Jasper SkyTram, the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada, which will take you to an altitude of 2,277 metres. With views of six mountain ranges (and the Rockies’ tallest mountain, Mount Robson), it’s easy to spend the morning here taking in all the views or exploring the summit’s interpretive boardwalks and hiking trails.

Jasper SkyTram. (Rocky Mountaneer)

Afternoon Grab a customized sandwich to go at local favourite Patricia Street Deli and plan a picnic lunch. Just 15 minutes’ drive from Jasper is Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in the park. There are six bridges built across the canyon, so hikers of all abilities can explore this scenic landmark. Then seek out the crystal-clear waters of Maligne Lake, ringed by snow-capped mountains. To reach the lake’s Spirit Island — a world-famous destination only accessible by boat — take the panoramic Maligne Lake Cruise and keep your eyes peeled for moose and caribou.

Maligne Lake and Spirit Island. (Rocky Mountaineer)

Evening Unwind in the laid-back town of Jasper at a local gem like the Jasper Brewing Company (the first brew pub in a national park), which offers six signature beers that are brewed on site and made with pure mountain water. Its restaurant offers classic burgers and steak, as well as more daring fare like a rustic elk meatloaf. Top off your evening by stargazing in this designated Dark Sky Preserve — the second-largest in the world, encompassing 11,000 square kilometres. The Jasper Planetarium offers a domed theatre experience followed by an opportunity to gaze out of the largest all-weather telescope in the Rockies.

Night sky in the Canadian Rockies. (ISTOCK)

The Rocky Mountaineer train at Morant’s Curve. (Rocky Mountaineer)

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